Reutershttp://www.maclife.com/taxonomy/term/5440/all
enMorning Report: iPhone 6 Display Woes, Quicken 2015 for Mac, iWork Updateshttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/morning_report_iphone_6_display_woes_quicken_2015_mac_iwork_updates
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/quicken_2015_for_mac_620px.png" alt="Quicken 2015 for Mac" width="620" height="299" /></p><p>Judging from a "hot off the presses" report straight from Apple's supply chain, prospective iPhone 6 buyers might want to line up even earlier this year, as the smartphone is rumored to suffer a production setback. Meanwhile, the company's iWork apps received minor updates Thursday, and venerable financial software Quicken makes a triumphant return to the Mac in today's Morning Report.</p><h3>Redesigned Display Panel Blamed for iPhone 6 Launch Woes</h3><p>Although Apple appears to be playing it cool from the outside, <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/08/22/us-apple-iphone-idUSKBN0GM0N620140822" target="_blank">Reuters today reported</a> the company's Asian supply chain vendors are apparently "scrambling" to come up with enough screens for Cupertino's new iPhone 6 ahead of the rumored launch next month. Unnamed sources claim the snafu was caused by the redesign of a "key component" of the display panel, which is apparently serious enough for Apple to consider limiting the number of units available at launch, or possibly delaying the launch altogether.<br /><br />"Two supply chain sources said display panel production suffered a setback after the backlight that helps illuminate the screen had to be revised, putting screen assembly on hold for part of June and July," the report noted, adding that Apple is attempting to create "the thinnest phone possible" by consolidating two layers of backlight film into one.<br /><br />According to sources, Cupertino's ambitions may have reached a hair too far in this case, with the backlight on the rumored 4.7-inch handset failing to live up to expectations, "costing precious time and temporarily idling some screen assembly operations." Things are back on track now, but the ripple effects may be felt next month as consumers once again line up to purchase Apple's latest and greatest.</p><h3>Quicken for Mac Returns with Mobile-Friendly 2015 Edition</h3><p>Intuit announced Thursday the immediate availability of <a href="http://www.quicken.com/mac" target="_blank">Quicken 2015 for Mac</a>, a long-gestating revamp of the company's money management application. The first new version of Quicken for Mac in years, the 2015 edition shines a spotlight on mobile, with free smartphone and tablet apps capable of syncing to the desktop edition for keeping tabs on personal finances from anywhere there's an internet connection. The apps also allow Quicken users to snap photos of receipts while on the go.<br /><br />Quicken 2015 for Mac also includes new investment tools for continuously updated portfolio values, capital gains estimates, and tracking of cost basis. With a fresh new user interface and the ability to import data from earlier Quicken Essentials for Mac, Quicken Mac 2007 or even Quicken 2010 for Windows or newer, the $74.99 downloadable software comes with a 60-day, money-back guarantee and the ability to export data directly to Intuit's TurboTax.</p><h3>iWork for iOS, Mac Apps Receive Minor Bug Fix Updates</h3><p>Apple was busy Thursday pushing out minor updates to its iWork apps for iOS and Mac, as well as <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id408981434?mt=12" target="_blank">iMovie 10.0.5 for Mac</a>, which specifically included "iCloud compatibility improvements for iMovie Theater." As for the others — <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pages/id409201541?mt=12" target="_blank">Pages for Mac</a>, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id361309726?mt=8" target="_blank">Pages for iOS</a>, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/numbers/id409203825?mt=12" target="_blank">Numbers for Mac</a>, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id361304891?mt=8" target="_blank">Numbers for iOS</a>, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/keynote/id409183694?mt=12" target="_blank">Keynote for Mac</a>, and <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id361285480?mt=8" target="_blank">Keynote for iOS</a> — Cupertino followed up the larger updates released in April with the typically vague "stability improvements and bug fixes" patches yesterday. But fear not, presumably larger updates are ahead this fall, given that OS X Yosemite is on the horizon...<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="https://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/morning_report_iphone_6_display_woes_quicken_2015_mac_iwork_updates#commentsNewsApp StoreiMovieIntuitiphone 6iWorklaunch delaysmac app storeMorning ReportQuickenReuterssupply chainiPhoneMacFri, 22 Aug 2014 12:12:01 +0000J.R. Bookwalter20514 at http://www.maclife.comiPhone 6 Manufacturing Is About to Beginhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/iphone_6_manufacturing_about_begin
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/iphone_6_gold_rendering_620px.png" alt="iPhone 6 gold render" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>You've seen the leaks, you've read the rumors, but enough is enough: When is the next-generation iPhone actually going to start rolling off the assembly lines? We don't have those answers, but it appears manufacturing is indeed kicking off this month.<br /><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/07/18/us-hon-hai-iphone-idUSKBN0FN02W20140718?feedType=RSS&amp;feedName=technologyNews" target="_blank"><br />Reuters reported Thursday</a> that Apple and supplier Hon Hai Precision Industry (better known under the name Foxconn) are preparing to "begin mass production" on the iPhone 6 this month.<br /><br />According to Taiwan's Economic Daily News, a 4.7-inch version of the fabled iPhone 6 smartphone will start rolling off the production lines "during the third week of July," with production on the phablet sized 5.5-inch model following in "the second week of August."<br /><br />As if to seemingly confirm that news, a separate report from China on Thursday claimed Hon Hai was ramping up hiring of 100,000 workers for its facilities on the mainland "to meet future demand" for the iPhone 6.<br /><br />If that sounds familiar, it's because rival supplier Pegatron did exactly the same thing earlier this month, suggesting an awful lot of man (and woman) power is being assembled for Apple's next handset, which is widely expected to debut this fall alongside iOS 8.</p><p><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', lucida, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">For more iPhone 6 info, take a look at our expanded list of news and rumors&nbsp;</span><a style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #0099cc; text-decoration: none; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', lucida, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;" href="http://www.maclife.com/article/iphone/iphone-6-features-rumors-release-date" target="_self">here</a><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', lucida, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">.</span><br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="https://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/iphone_6_manufacturing_about_begin#commentsNews4.7-inch5.5-inchapple manufacturingassembly lineChinaiphone 6iphone 6 rumorsReutersRumorsTaiwaniPhoneFri, 18 Jul 2014 12:06:00 +0000J.R. Bookwalter20339 at http://www.maclife.comApple CEO Tim Cook Portrayed as Quiet, Methodical Leaderhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_ceo_tim_cook_portrayed_quiet_methodical_leader
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/tim_cook_with_steve_jobs_620px.png" alt="Tim Cook with Steve Jobs" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>Even two years after taking the helm at Apple, CEO Tim Cook's leadership style is still very much in the spotlight as part of a new profile on how the executive handles the challenges ahead of the iPhone maker.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/08/22/usa-apple-cook-idUSL1N0G91GF20130822" target="_blank">Reuters published a profile on Apple CEO Tim Cook Thursday</a> to mark the eve of his second anniversary as the company's chief executive, and how his leadership has affected the house that Steve Jobs built.<br /><br />The report is quick to note that Apple has yet to introduce a major new product under Cook, who has notoriously deflected any talk of Apple-branded televisions or smart watches every time the subject has come up -- a tactic that seems to suit the quiet, modest Alabama-raised executive.<br /><br />"Cook is known as a workaholic who guards his privacy closely," the report elaborated. "People who know him well paint a portrait of a thoughtful, data-driven executive who knows how to listen and who can be charming and funny in small group settings."<br /><br />At Apple, Cook is said to lead with "a methodical, no-nonsense style" that's largely the mirror opposite of his former boss. Rather than attempt to micromanage employees, at least one source claims Cook delegates authority -- at least until something goes wrong.<br /><br />The highest profile example thus far would have to be Apple Maps, the Google-free built-in solution launched last fall under former software chief Scott Forstall -- who ultimately lost his job when Cook's delegation failed to pan out. In his place, Cook has enlisted designer Jonathan Ive to oversee both hardware and software in an effort to better unite the two.<br /><br />"The vision that Tim had to involve Jony and to essentially connect two very, very important Apple initiatives or areas of focus -- that was a big decision on Tim's part and he made it independently and very, very resolutely," said Bob Iger, an Apple director and CEO of Walt Disney Company.<br /><br />For more on Tim Cook and his leadership of Apple, be sure to check out the <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/08/22/usa-apple-cook-idUSL1N0G91GF20130822" target="_blank">Reuters profile online</a>.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p><em>(Images courtesy of The Telegraph, AllThingsD)</em></p><p><em><br /></em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_ceo_tim_cook_portrayed_quiet_methodical_leader#commentsNewsapple ceoapple executivesApple MapsBob IgerCEODisneyleadershipReutersScott ForstallSteve JobsTim CookiPhoneThu, 22 Aug 2013 13:57:08 +0000J.R. Bookwalter17844 at http://www.maclife.comApple Investigating Death of Chinese Woman Related to iPhone 5 Charginghttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_investigating_death_chinese_woman_related_iphone_5_charging
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/iphone_5_plugged_in_620px.png" alt="iPhone 5 plugged in" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>Apple is in hot water with the Chinese again, this time over the death of a 23-year-old woman who died last Thursday after answering her iPhone 5 while it was charging and was allegedly electrocuted as a result.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/15/us-apple-china-idUSBRE96E08P20130715" target="_blank">Reuters reported Monday</a> that a 23-year-old flight attendant with China Southern Airlines from the western region of Xinjiang in China was electrocuted by her iPhone 5 last Thursday.<br /><br />The victim, Ma Ailun, appears to have "collapsed and died" after using her iPhone 5 while it was charging, a fairly common task that many of us probably do on occasion. Ma's death came into the spotlight after her sister posted a warning to others on the popular Sina Weibo microblogging website.<br /><br />Apple declined to speculate on what caused the incident, but pledged its support during the investigation.<br /><br />"We are deeply saddened to learn of this tragic incident and offer our condolences to the Ma family," an email sent to Reuters reads. "We will fully investigate and cooperate with authorities in this matter."<br /><br />The incident is the latest trouble for Cupertino in China since CEO Tim Cook's public apology back in April over warranty concerns with iPhones sold in the country.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><address>(Image courtesy of CNET)</address>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_investigating_death_chinese_woman_related_iphone_5_charging#commentsNewsApple Inc.chargingChinaelectrictyelectrocutedelectrocutioniphone 5lightning connectorReutersSina WeiboiPhoneMon, 15 Jul 2013 13:06:06 +0000J.R. Bookwalter17524 at http://www.maclife.comReuters: Apple Eyeing Bigger iPhone Screens, Multiple Colorshttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/reuters_apple_eyeing_bigger_iphone_screens_multiple_colors
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/wwdc_2013_ios_7_trio_620px.jpg" alt="Trio of iOS 7 iPhones" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>It took Apple long enough to make the iPad mini a reality, but sources claim Cupertino won't stop there, with "phablet" style devices expected next year and cheaper iPhones in a rainbow of colors.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/06/13/us-apple-iphone-idUSBRE95C05Q20130613" target="_blank">Reuters reported Thursday</a> that Apple may expand the iPhone's horizons over the next year, with insider sources spilling the beans on larger screens and budget models in multiple colors.<br /><br />The rumored plans appear to be a defensive move against rival Samsung, who by now has thrown just about every conceivable variation of its Android devices into the marketplace to see what actually sticks, including "phablets," which attempt to fill a questionable void between smartphones and tablets.<br /><br />According to four different sources, the 2014 iPhone could come in both 4.7-inch as well as 5.7-inch models. While suppliers in Asia have apparently been approached about the plans, it's far from a done deal yet.<br /><br />"They constantly change product specifications almost to the final moment, so you're not really sure whether this is the final prototype," cautioned one source.<br /><br />While those plans may be months away, Apple is widely expected to launch an upgrade to its current iPhone 5 this fall alongside iOS 7, which could include a fingerprint sensor for additional security. Sources claim Cupertino is also on track to deliver a cheaper iPhone with a plastic casing that could come in five or six different colors "to differentiate it from the more expensive model that has traditionally come only in black or white."<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/reuters_apple_eyeing_bigger_iphone_screens_multiple_colors#commentsNewsandroidcheaper iphonefingerprintiOS 7iPhone 5Slarger screenmultiple colorsphabletsReutersRumorsSamsungiPhoneThu, 13 Jun 2013 13:58:31 +0000J.R. Bookwalter17251 at http://www.maclife.comGoogle's Eric Schmidt Claims Chrome, Android to Remain Separatehttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/googles_eric_schmidt_claims_chrome_android_remain_separate
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/eric_schmidt_d9_200px.jpg" alt="Google's Eric Schmidt" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />Whenever Google needs to sweep bad news under the rug, they send out former CEO Eric Schmidt. His latest mission? Convincing people the search giant won't combine Android with Chrome someday.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/03/21/us-google-india-idUSBRE92K0D520130321" target="_blank">Reuters is reporting</a> that Google Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt has gone on the record by stating that the company's mobile-centric Android and fledging Chrome operating systems "will remain separate products," but doesn't dismiss the idea that the two might also find some harmonious overlap at the same time.<br /><br />The former Google CEO is in New Delhi, India this week as part of a multi-country tour to promote internet access. During an interview there, Schmidt was asked about the departure of Android boss Andy Rubin and the announcement that the company's two operating systems will now be run by a single person: Sundar Pichai, the man in charge of Chrome as well as Gmail and Google Drive.<br /><br />The question now is: Can we believe him? <a href="http://techcrunch.com/2013/03/21/chrome-android-still-merging/" target="_blank">According to TechCrunch</a>, Schmidt claimed the exact opposite just over two years ago, announcing at Mobile World Congress that Android and Chrome were indeed on a path to convergence.<br /><br />“We’re working overtime to get those technologies merged in the right way,” Schmidt said in February, 2011, while noting: “I learned a long time ago, don’t force technology to merge when it’s not ready, wait for the technology to mature to the point when it can be merged.”<br /><br />Schmidt also dismissed rumors that he plans to leave Google, calling the company his "home" and denying recent reports that he might soon land a government position.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/googles_eric_schmidt_claims_chrome_android_remain_separate#commentsNewsandroidandy rubinChrome OSconvergenceEric SchmidtGoogleIndiaReutersRumorsSundar PichaiTechCrunchThu, 21 Mar 2013 13:40:31 +0000J.R. Bookwalter16539 at http://www.maclife.comApple Marketing Boss Goes on the Offensive Against Android, Samsunghttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_marketing_boss_goes_offensive_against_android_samsung
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/phil_schiller_headshot_200px.png" alt="Phil Schiller" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />Samsung is preparing to launch its latest Galaxy S handset in New York City on Thursday, so what better time for Apple marketing chief Phil Schiller to throw out a few pot shots against it?<br /><br /><a href="http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/03/14/us-apple-schiller-idUKBRE92C1FQ20130314" target="_blank">Reuters is reporting</a> that Apple Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing Phil Schiller showed up at an interview on Wednesday with both barrels blazing against Google's rival Android, and in particular Samsung, who is set to debut its latest flagship handset for the platform on Thursday evening.<br /><br />Using Google's own statistics against it, Schiller pointed out that the majority of Android users were still using an older version of the mobile operating system, which only creates further fragmentation problems for the open source solution.<br /><br />"With their own data, only 16 percent of Android users are on year-old version of the operating system," Schiller remarked. "Over 50 percent are still on software that is two years old. A really big difference."<br /><br />The Samsung Galaxy S IV being launched in New York City tonight appears to be a victim of the same problem, which is rumored to debut with only a modest update to the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean which is now almost a year old.<br /><br />Finally, while Android boasts of 1.5 million devices activated daily, Schiller feels the out-of-the-box experience is no match for Apple's iOS products.<br /><br />"At Apple we know that it's not just enough to have products pumped out in large numbers," he concluded. "You have to love and use them. There is a lot of data showing a big disparity there."<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_marketing_boss_goes_offensive_against_android_samsung#commentsNewsandroidApple Inc.fragmentationGalaxy S IVGoogleJelly BeanNew York CityPhil SchillerReutersRumorsSamsungiPadiPhoneiPodThu, 14 Mar 2013 13:16:21 +0000J.R. Bookwalter16481 at http://www.maclife.comThe Week's 10 Hottest Apple News Stories, January 11http://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/weeks_10_hottest_apple_news_stories_january_11
<!--paging_filter--><p>CES is always a big show every year, even if it doesn't always produce much in the way of Apple or iOS news, but there was more than enough going on with Apple and its competitors. Amazon did a little something new with downloadable music, Russia made a giant iPhone model, and there was some confusion about cheap iPhones. Plenty more where this came from.</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/weeks_10_hottest_apple_news_stories_january_11#commentsGalleryNewsAmazonApp StoreAutoRipicarios designiphone 4iphone 5 casenetflixNew Year's ResolutionsPhil SchillerresolutionReutersRounded RectanglesRussiaTwitterTwitterrific 5Sat, 12 Jan 2013 01:00:00 +0000J Keirn-Swanson15981 at http://www.maclife.comReuters Withdraws Schiller "Cheaper iPhone" Rebuttal Following Changes to Sourcehttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/reuters_withdraws_schiller_cheaper_iphone_rebuttal_following_changes_source
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/phil_schiller_headshot_200px.png" alt="Phil Schiller" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />If you were holding out hope that Apple will one day produce a less expensive iPhone, don't let the Reuters story about Phil Schiller dismissing the idea ruin your day -- the news agency has since withdrawn the story.<br /><br />The subject of a cheap/cheaper iPhone has grabbed plenty of headlines this week, but it appears there may be a new wrinkle in the story. On Friday morning, <a href="http://finance.yahoo.com/news/apple-dismisses-cheaper-iphone-story-114045693.html" target="_blank">Reuters issued a retraction for its story a day earlier</a> in which Apple executive Phil Schiller dismissed talk of a cheaper iPhone.<br /><br />"Reuters has withdrawn the story headlined 'Apple exec dismisses cheaper phone as a market share grab-report' which was based on a Shanghai Evening News report that was subsequently updated with substantial changes to its content," the news agency said in a brief statement. "No replacement story will be issued."<br /><br />Schiller was supposedly quoted as saying that cheap smartphones will "never be the future of Apple products," which appeared to cast doubt on a plethora of stories this week from well-sourced outlets such as The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg.<br /><br />It remains unclear from the original Shanghai Evening News post -- which remains on the website -- exactly what changes prompted Reuters to withdraw the story, but we wouldn't read too much into it just yet.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/reuters_withdraws_schiller_cheaper_iphone_rebuttal_following_changes_source#commentsNewsapple executivescheap iPhonescheaper iphoneChinaconfusionheadlinesPhil SchillerReutersRumorsiPhoneFri, 11 Jan 2013 13:40:29 +0000J.R. Bookwalter15977 at http://www.maclife.comThe Wider Image Reviewhttp://www.maclife.com/article/reviews/wider_image_review
<!--paging_filter--><p>There are plenty of unique and colorful ways to read news on the iPad. Pulse, Flipboard, Newsify, and Reeder -- not to mention every major media outlet -- all offer pleasant ways to get your daily news fix, with bright photos and constantly updating headlines to keep you informed. The Wider Image isn't one of these apps. If you're looking for up-to-the-minute headlines from Reuters, you'd be better off downloading News Pro. But for news junkies who want to digest as much of the world as possible, The Wider Image is possibly the most gorgeous way to explore exotic people and places on your iPad.<br /><br />The Wider Image may be a news app, but it certainly doesn't feel like one. Navigation is controlled entirely through images, and the landscape-only interface is as slick as the photos themselves, many of which are accompanied by articles that explain the action in far more depth than a caption ever could. Interactive features, including videos, panoramas, and slide shows, round out the stories, and everything can be searched by theme or date, though The Wider Image is clearly meant to be explored by locale. Crisp, vivid images cover a wide variety of places, with some delivered in such high resolution they can be zoomed to see things otherwise hidden way in the background.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u325188/2012/11/wider4_screen_0.png" width="620" height="465" /></p><p>While I thoroughly enjoyed the content in The Wider Image, I had some trouble getting to it. Since images are accessed remotely, a strong connection is needed, and loading hang-ups forced me to quit numerous times (and finally reinstall, which seemed to help). Also, Reuters claims its app is updated daily, but I couldn't find much in the way of current news. Luckily, much of what is featured proves timeless in appeal.<br /><br /><strong>The bottom line.</strong> The Wider Image is photojournalism at its finest and redefines what newspapers can be in the digital age.</p><fieldset class="fieldgroup group-the-bottom-line"><legend>Review Synopsis</legend><div class="field field-type-text field-field-product">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Product:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-wider-image/id566306890?mt=8" target="_blank">The Wider Image 2.0.0</a></p> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-company">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Company:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
Thomson Reuters </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-contact">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Contact:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p><a href="http://widerimage.reuters.com" target="_blank">http://widerimage.reuters.com</a></p> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-price">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Price:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
Free </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-requirements">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Requirements:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p>iPad running iOS 5.1 or later</p> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-positives">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Positives:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p>Breathtaking images. Slick interface. Good interactive content.</p> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-negatives">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Negatives:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p>Loading issues can cause the app to lock up. Events aren't very current.</p> </div>
</div>
</div>
</fieldset>
http://www.maclife.com/article/reviews/wider_image_review#commentsReviewsapp store reviewsAppLifeiPad AppsnewsphotojournalismPhotosReutersreviewssoftwareThe Wider ImageiPadiPhoneiPodMacGalleryMon, 05 Nov 2012 17:51:36 +0000Michael Simon15499 at http://www.maclife.comReport: Apple Buys Fingerprint Sensor Firm AuthenTec for $356 Millionhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/report_apple_buys_fingerprint_sensor_firm_authentec_356_million
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/authentec_logo_200px.png" alt="AuthenTec logo" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />Apple acquiring most any company would certainly be worthy of headlines, but a new report claims Cupertino is snatching up the creator of "award-winning smart fingerprint sensors" which could point to the company's future plans for digital payments.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/07/27/us-authentec-acquisition-apple-idUSBRE86Q0KD20120727" target="_blank">Reuters filed the briefest of reports on Friday morning</a> on Apple's plans to purchase AutenTec Inc. for "about $356 million." That amounts to an $8 per-share offer of the company, and "a premium of 58 percent over AuthenTec's Thursday close of $5.07."<br /><br />Described as a company who "makes fingerprint sensor chips used in personal computers," <a href="http://www.authentec.com/Company/FactSheet.aspx" target="_blank">AuthenTec's own fact sheet</a> describes them as "a leading provider of mobile and network security."<br /><br />"AuthenTec encryption technology, fingerprint sensors and identity management software are deployed by the leading mobile device, networking and computing companies, content and service providers, and governments worldwide," the fact sheet reveals.<br /><br />Exactly what Apple's intentions might be with AuthenTec are unclear and neither company is saying, but it's not hard to imagine that Cupertino could incorporate the security firm's fingerprint technology into something like iOS 6's Passbook app or even the mobile OS as a whole to make the iPhone more secure than simply password or four-digit codes.<br /><br />"AuthenTec's award-winning smart fingerprint sensors provide multiple touch-powered features that extend beyond user authentication to include convenience, personalization and touch control," the fact sheet concludes. "The Company's TouchChip area fingerprint sensors and modules comply with government and industry standards and offer the ruggedness, strong security and ease of integration needed for quick and broad deployment."<br /><br />Ironically, AuthenTec's "top tier customers" include Apple smartphone rivals LG, Motorola Mobility, Nokia and Samsung.<br /><br />Follow this article’s author, J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter<br /><br /></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/report_apple_buys_fingerprint_sensor_firm_authentec_356_million#commentsNewsacquisitionsApple Inc.AuthenTecfingerprintiOS 6new technologyPassbookReutersSamsungSecuritysensorsiPhoneFri, 27 Jul 2012 12:23:28 +0000J.R. Bookwalter14657 at http://www.maclife.comReuters: Honey, They Shrunk My iPhone 5 Dock Connector!http://www.maclife.com/article/news/reuters_honey_they_shrunk_my_iphone_5_dock_connector
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/dock_connector_cable_200px.png" alt="30-pin dock connector" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />30-pin dock connector, your number is up: Reuters is now adding its own soulful voice to the chorus of rumors claiming that Apple is going to ditch its classic dock connector in favor of something much smaller. So much for all those compatible accessories lying around the house!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/07/23/us-apple-connector-idUSBRE86M07320120723" target="_blank">Reuters is reporting</a> that Apple is indeed planning to revamp the 30-pin dock connector this fall with the release of the next iPhone, shrinking the port to 19 pins and making way for a headphone jack at the bottom of the handset.<br /><br />"That would mean the new phone would not connect with the myriad of accessories such as speakers and power chargers that form part of the ecosystem around iPods, iPads and iPhones, without an adaptor," the report notes, overstating the obvious.<br /><br />First introduced with the third-generation iPod back in April, 2003, the 30-pin dock connector has had a pretty good ride where technology is concerned. Almost a decade old, the connector is almost as ubiquitous as the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad themselves, thanks to a wide variety of compatible accessories.<br /><br />So what happens when the connector gets changed? Those accessory companies get to cash in all over again.<br /><br />"It represents an opportunity for accessory vendors," explains Pete Cunningham, an analyst with research firm Canalys. "The iPhone connector has been a standard for a long time now and I would expect the same to be true for a new connector, should Apple change it as expected."<br /><br />Much like the recent introduction of a slimmer MagSafe 2 on the 2012 MacBook models, Apple is likely to offer an adapter to allow users to continue using older accessories with the 30-pin dock connector -- but that may not work with many of them, such as Magellan's Premium Car Kit for iPhone and iPod touch, which lacks the necessary clearance for such a widget.<br /><br />According to one analyst, that's not likely to deter Apple's most ardent fans.<br /><br />"I don't think it will stop Apple consumers from buying the new gadgets," said C.K. Lu, a Gartner analyst. "Many companies are interested in developing accessories for Apple because Apple users are more open and willing to buy accessories."<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/reuters_honey_they_shrunk_my_iphone_5_dock_connector#commentsNews30-pinaccessoriesanalystsApple Inc.dock connectoriOS accessoriesiPhone 5 rumorsreportReutersiPadiPhoneiPodMon, 23 Jul 2012 12:53:09 +0000J.R. Bookwalter14610 at http://www.maclife.comThere Are 8 Apple Stores in Pennsylvania, But Only 6 in All of Chinahttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/there_are_8_apple_stores_pennsylvania_only_6_all_china
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/shanghai_apple_store_opening_200px.png" alt="Shanghai Apple Store grand opening" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />Sure, Pennsylvania might be one of the larger states in the U.S., but when Apple has eight retail stores to serve a population of 12.7 million but only six such outlets serving more than 1.3 billion in all of China, it's clearly a problem for Cupertino.<br /><br /><a href="http://finance.yahoo.com/news/line-one-apple-store-per-105226276.html" target="_blank">Reuters is reporting</a> that Apple's retail store presence in China is no match for its population. With a population of 1.3 billion people hungry for the company's products, six retail stores pretty much guarantee long lines, scalpers and frustrated customers.<br /><br />Back in 2010, then head of Apple retail Ron Johnson predicted the company would have 25 stores in China by 2012 -- a goal that is clearly no longer realistic.<br /><br />"There's certainly more demand than Apple can serve with their store footprint currently," explains Torsten Stocker, a partner at the Monitor Group.<br /><br />With two Apple Stores in Beijing, three in Shanghai and another in Hong Kong, Cupertino's retail footprint pales in comparison to the U.S. state of Pennsylvania, which has eight stores -- three of which are located in Pittsburgh alone -- serving a population of 12.7 million.<br /><br />Now that Apple has settled its trademark dispute with Proview, the situation is expected to get even worse when the company's third-generation iPad is finally introduced in China.<br /><br />However, the slow pace of growth at retail may not be entirely Apple's fault.<br /><br />"There are complications around opening stores in China that you don't get in Western countries," said Andrew Milroy, the Singapore-based vice president of ICT Research who cites "red tape" as a key roadblock for foreign companies looking to expand in China.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p><em>(Image courtesy of MacRumors and WeiPhone.com)</em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/there_are_8_apple_stores_pennsylvania_only_6_all_china#commentsNewsApple RetailApple Retail StoresChinaexpansionHong Kongnew ipadPennsylvaniaretailReutersRon JohnsonWed, 04 Jul 2012 13:23:29 +0000J.R. Bookwalter14478 at http://www.maclife.comMore Google Drive Confirmation: Support Pages, Reuters, Docs Storagehttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/more_google_drive_confirmation_support_pages_reuters_docs_storage
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/google_docs_5gb_storage_200px.png" alt="Google Docs bumped to 5GB" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />In the last week alone, LogMeIn has unleashed Cubby and Microsoft finally brought SkyDrive to OS X Lion -- and we’ve still got a launch for Google Drive coming this week, if a mountain of evidence is to be believed.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.theverge.com/2012/4/17/2954054/google-drive-cloud-storage" target="_blank">The Verge has been sniffing around Mountain View’s various and sundry web pages</a> in search of hard evidence that a launch of Google Drive is imminent, and they’ve turned up a number of compelling bits and pieces. Should you truly want to believe, we could see Google Drive fire up its engines to the masses later today, so strap in and hang on for the ride.<br /><br /><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/google-launch-online-storage-consumers-source-025833586--sector.html" target="_blank">The first bit of evidence comes courtesy of Reuters</a>, who filed what appears to be a confident report claiming that Google Drive “could be announced as soon as Tuesday” -- as in today, April 24 -- offered with both free and premium for-pay versions. Everyone gets 5GB free as rumored previously, “while various versions with incrementally more storage capacity, topping out at about 100GB, will be available for monthly fees,” one source reveals.<br /><br />Next, <a href="http://www.theverge.com/2012/4/24/2970999/google-docs-5gb-storage-increase-google-drive" target="_blank">Verge readers called in to note that their Google Docs storage capacity appears to have gotten a bump</a> from 1GB to 5GB overnight -- something we have confirmed on our own account (as shown above). Finally, <a href="http://www.theverge.com/2012/4/24/2971033/google-drive-confirmed-support-page" target="_blank">a reference to Google Drive has turned up on a Google support page</a>, which states: “In the new owner’s Google Drive on the web, click the Upload button to see the amount of storage used/available.”<br /><br />We don’t know about you, but it all sounds like Google may be firing up Drive for a spin around the block sooner than later -- we’re just hoping this isn’t going to be another one of those painful “wait for an invite” scenarios like Google+, so don’t get too excited just yet, folks…<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/more_google_drive_confirmation_support_pages_reuters_docs_storage#commentsNews5GBcloud storageGoogleGoogle DocsGoogle DrivelaunchReutersRumorsstorage capacityThe VergeMacTue, 24 Apr 2012 13:05:09 +0000J.R. Bookwalter13904 at http://www.maclife.comReport Claims Apple May Shift Chip Manufacturing Away From Samsunghttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/report_claims_apple_may_shift_chip_manufacturing_away_samsung
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/ifixit_iphone_opened_200px.jpg" alt="iFixIt open iPhone" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />According to a new report, Apple may be looking to remove the “friend” portion of their “frenemy” relationship with Samsung, as Taiwan’s TSMC has begin trial manufacturing for the company’s next-generation A6 mobile chips. But will Cupertino choose to completely turn their back on Samsung?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/07/15/us-tsmc-apple-idUSTRE76E0MZ20110715?feedType=RSS&amp;feedName=technologyNews" target="_blank">Reuters is reporting</a> that Taiwanese chipmaker TSMC has started “trial manufacturing” of Apple’s next-generation A6 mobile processor chip, according to a source with knowledge of the matter. Current chips are supplied exclusively by Samsung, including the A5 chip used in the iPad 2 and expected to arrive in the next iPhone model this fall.<br /><br />In the wake of Apple’s patent disputes with Samsung, it appears Cupertino is looking to put a little distance between their competitor, who has actively pushed a wide range of Android smartphones and now tablets that even casual observers might say bear more than a passing resemblance to Apple’s own products.<br /><br />"Apple is trying to diversify its orders but it will still maintain some kind of relationship with Samsung," explains Fubon Securities analyst William Wang. "I think TSMC will get the new chip orders, the issue however is allocation. Apple won't give the whole 100 percent to TSMC. Maybe it'll allocate only 20-30 percent."<br /><br />TSMC is billed as “the world’s largest contract chip maker” and is widely believed to become a chip supplier for Apple next year, with what many reports have dubbed the “A6” processor -- although sources claim the chips may be called something else entirely.<br /><br />“TSMC is an obvious candidate to win processor business from Apple as it has budgeted $7.8 billion this year to update technology and add capacity,” Reuters reports. “It also has experience with the architecture of British chip designer ARM Holdings Plc, widely used by Apple to make power-efficient mobile chips.”<br /><br />Needless to say, a major shift away from Samsung isn’t going to come overnight, and the South Korean manufacturer will likely do whatever it can to hold onto Apple’s lucrative chip orders -- short of pulling their own line of Apple-like smartphones and tablets, we’d imagine.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a><br /><br />(Image courtesy of Reuters and iFixIt.com)</em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/report_claims_apple_may_shift_chip_manufacturing_away_samsung#commentsNewsApple Inc.Apple vs. Samsungchipsmobile chipsprocessorsReutersSamsungTSMCiPadiPhoneFri, 15 Jul 2011 12:33:29 +0000J.R. Bookwalter11692 at http://www.maclife.com